Neerim Show

It's only on arrival home that one realises how windy is was at the Neerim show. How quiet it is inside. It did not rain but at times it was cold. Sadly for the orginisers the entries were down but those that went enjoyed the excellent footing for their horses. Instead of the whole January agricultural show being on one day in a fairly restricted area they ran the show horse sections a month earlier than usual.

Showing should be all about having fun as well as competing well. It surprises me that so many riders confuse speed with impulsion. There were a lot of horses, galloways and ponies with nice movement that were running along rather than moving with elegance. As for the quality of the walks - most of them were abysmal! Part of showing is the 'bling', part is conformation and a huge part is the horse's way of going.This includes the quality of the paces.

 Fancy Dress winner - Puss in Boots.

 This lady was certainy having fun with her beautiful pony.

I was very fortunate to have a 'showy' pupil stewarding for me. She knows all the rules and the judges' etiquettes. I have not judged at shows for some time but little has changed. There is a little too much horse make-up being used. It tends to look ridiculous. Since when have white horses had black knees and hocks? It's a funny thing to draw attention to horse's knees. It actually makes their legs look short and the movement optically changes. Hopefully these 'showies' will video 'the look' and see for themselves.

These two children were having a wnderful time with their father.

Saturday 6.20 p.m.